Butyl acrylate
Butyl acrylate is a chemical used in manufacturing.
Applications
Butyl acrylate is used in paints, sealants, coatings, adhesives, fuel, textiles, plastics, and caulk.
Biochemistry
In rodent models, butyl acrylate is metabolized by carboxyesterase or reactions with glutathione; this detoxification produces acrylic acid, butanol, and mercapturic acid waste, which is excreted in the urine, feces, and as carbon dioxide.
Production
Butyl acrylate can be produced in several reactions. Acetylene, 1-butyl alcohol, carbon monoxide, nickel carbonyl, and hydrochloric acid can react to make butyl acrylate. Another synthesis of butyl acrylate involves the reaction of butanol with methyl acrylate or acrylic acid.
Safety
It is highly reactive and polymerizes easily when exposed to heat or peroxides; therefore, commercial preparations may contain a polymerization inhibitor. It reacts easily with strong acids and bases, amines, halogens, hydrogen compounds, and oxidizers. Butyl acrylate is designated a Class II Combustible Liquid. It can be stabilized with hydroquinone or hydroquinone ethyl ether.
